176 suspects in the Mattakuliya incident released

Jul 5, 2010 12:19:37 PM - itnnews.lk

The 176 suspects taken into custody in relation to the Mattakuliya incident have been released.

The Colombo Additional Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe enlarged them on a surety bail of 50,000 rupees each. Making submissions in Courts, officials of the Colombo Crimes Division said they had broken into the Police Station, caused damage to property and had attempted to use firearms. The Police sought permission from Courts for holding of an identification parade to identify the suspects. However, after considering particulars of the incident submitted by lawyers appearing for the suspects, the Colombo Fort Additional Magistrate turned down the Police request for an identification parade and enlarged the suspects on bail. The next hearing was fixed for the 28th of this month.

Meanwhile, investigations related to the main suspect who led to the chaos in Mattakuliya are continuing. Senior DIG N.K. Illangakoon said the Police Narcotics Bureau is conducting the inquiries. He said the suspect nabbed with heroin has been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation. He is at present in their custody. The Police Department has also launched an internal inquiry. The aim of these inquiries is to determine how the Police Officers affiliated to the Police Station acted in the raid and in the incident related to the attack on the Police Station.